Scallop Shell

An archeological firm has been cleaning up the old well on the High Street. I've always wondered what the link was between the Cowans, who erected the well, and the shell on the front of it.

There is another, very hard to find, well also in the shape of a shell elsewhere in Penicuik.

Does anyone know what the link was?

The Cowan family/clan crest looks the likely reason as there's a scallop shell on it:

http://www.houseofnames.com/product/Family+Crest+Image+(JPG)+Heritage+Series+-+300+DPI

I'm sure the motto is also the one above the door of the former Cowan Institute but I may be wrong.

a scalop shell is for a pillgrim

" Sir Walter Raleigh. 1552–1618

77. His Pilgrimage

GIVE me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope's true gage;
And thus I'll take my pilgrimage.

Blood must be my body's balmer;
No other balm will there be given:
Whilst my soul, like quiet palmer,
Travelleth towards the land of heaven;
Over the silver mountains,
Where spring the nectar fountains;
There will I kiss
The bowl of bliss;
And drink mine everlasting fill
Upon every milken hill.
My soul will be a-dry before;
But, after, it will thirst no more. "

Well done - pardon the pun!

http://www.aocarchaeology.com/news/penicuik-old-well